College Quick Shots: LeighAnn Hranka finishes strong

LeighAnn Hranka (Guilford) recently finished her college volleyball career when her Illinois State team fell 3-2 to Wichita State in the Missouri Valley conference tournament.

Hranka had four blocks and finished with a hitting percentage of .500 with nine kills and one error in what turned out to be her final collegiate game. Hranka was second on the team in overall scoring, hitting percentage and blocks after she helped ISU (19-13) to another strong season. Hranka is starting her final semester internship in sports marketing with a Parks and Recreation major, and hopes to graduate this summer.

Kirk earns honor

Rockford University tight end Dane Kirk (Rochelle) earned one final award to cap an impressive junior season when he was selected honorable mention All-American. He has now received three major awards this year after also making second-team preseason All-American and then second-team All-Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference honors at the conclusion of the season.

Kirk had a breakout year with a school-record 63 receptions for 702 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His 63 catches were the second most by a tight end on the All-American ballot, and his receiving yards were the sixth highest among all the Division III All-American tight end nominees.

Anthony wrestles to tourney title

Wisconsin-Parkside sophomore Josh Anthony (Harlem) won the 184-pound wrestling title at the recent St. Cloud State Husky Open. Anthony received a first-round bye, then pinned his next two opponents before winning 5-3 in the finals.

Catching up

Rachel Konieczki (Lutheran) is averaging 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds as a true freshman for Bowling Green (8-1). She averages 8.4 minutes, seventh on a team where all five starters average more than 30 minutes.

Sophie Reecher (Byron) is averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.1 minutes for Toledo (5-4) as a true freshman.